TACLOBAN CITY – A fisherman was killed while two others were injured while allegedly blast fishing in the sea of Sitio Salvacion, Barangay Ilijan, Sto. Niño, Samar last Tuesday, June 7.
The fatality was identified as Emiliano Davila, 40, a resident of the barangay. Injured were Rolan Davila, 28, and Jorgie Davila, 31, also residents of the area which is about 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
A concerned citizen reported to the local police that a victim of an explosion died in the area.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victims were fishing onboard a motorized banca when Emiliano reportedly lighted an improvised explosive known as “badil.”
It reportedly went off while he was still holding the device, killing him on the spot. Rolan and Jorgie Davila sustained injuries and were taken to the Calbayog City District Hospital.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned fishermen of the dangers and the harm that blast fishing brings to the environment.
In a statement, the BFAR said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the continued use of explosives, noxious or any poisonous substances in fishing, which does not only damage our fishery resources but also result in the loss of human lives.”
“The bureau continues to remind the general public, especially our fisherfolks, that the illegal practice of using these substances will always bring harm to the environment and human lives. May we all be one on deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities for the sustainable management and conservation of our marine resources.”